Shopping Destinations Around the World You Must Visit At Least Once in Your Life!
A fun overseas vacation isn’t complete without a shopping experience, whether we lose ourselves in window shopping or splurge headfirst into each city’s shopping mecca. Being surrounded by an ocean of fashion, food, accessories, and gadgets is a good kind of overwhelming, and it only gets better if the price points for certain brands are lower than those we have at home!
So, while we can’t travel for pleasure just yet due to the pandemic, why not take a look at the world’s top shopping destinations so we know where to go when it’s finally time to make it rain?
1. Tokyo, Japan
First up is the trendy and busy Tokyo prefecture! We’re sure you’ve already heard that there are a plethora of cool shops you can find in Tokyo, from discount stores like Shibuya Mega Donki to the department stores stationed across the prefecture. For the best shopping experience, head to the flagship store of Isetan in Shinjuku which stretches out into eight buildings covering two blocks!
In both Donki and Isetan, you can enjoy a wide selection of cosmetics, fashion, food, and gadgets. Speaking of gadgets, Tokyo is packed with electronic stores which will give you the most bang for your buck for cameras, cellphones, and other accessories. Check out stores like BIG Camera and Yamada Denki LABI Ikebukuro.
And don’t get us started with how much cheaper UNIQLO is in Japan! With all these options, you would be remiss if you didn’t put Tokyo on your list of must-visit shopping destinations!
2. Seoul, South Korea
Hallyu fans are in luck, because not only can they relive their favorite K-dramas in Seoul, but the city is also a shopper’s paradise. Seoul’s shopping areas spill out into the streets and districts, offering a plethora of cute and inexpensive souvenirs!
Myeongdong is arguably the city’s most famous shopping district, where you can find Korean skincare and makeup products, as well as luxury fashion brands and tasty food. Fans of street fashion should save their money for visits to Namdaemun Market and Goto Mall. Meanwhile, those interested in cultural products and souvenirs should visit Insadong and Samcheongdong for local crafts and pastries. More information about Seoul’s shopping destinations can be found here!
3. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is an easy choice for many, mostly because it’s laden with an equal amount of street market and luxury products. The best shopping spot for a holistic experience is Causeway Bay, where the options are almost endless — from high-end malls, affordable boutiques and department stores, to street markets where you’ll find the best bargains!
For some all-out premium shopping, visit the shopping streets in Central to see all the glamorous brands like Gucci, Prada, Chanel, and Burberry. If you’re on a budget, shopping destinations such as Mong Kok, Stanley Market, Hollywood Road, and Cat Street Bazaar will have you bursting with excitement. Here, you can buy pocket-friendly yet fashionable handbags, watches, shoes, everyday clothes, and antiques priced just right!
On the other hand, those on a hunt for cheap electronics can visit Apliu Street in Sham Shui Po to find the latest gadget accessories and even vintage technology!
4. Bangkok, Thailand
No shopaholic traveler has been christened until they’ve experienced shopping in Bangkok. Its malls and markets are known for having relatively affordable prices, installed with 500 to 8,000 diverse shops to match!
It goes without saying that the mecca of all meccas is MBK; this shopping mall sells staple luxury brands, as well as a neat bargain, finds mainly for fashion. It’s also a great place to discover the array of beautiful Thai premium brands for both clothes and bags (here’s looking at you, handbag hoarders!). And of course, you can purchase mobile phones and other electronic accessories at a great bargain at the mall’s level 4.
Want to see the market version of MBK? Visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market! You’ll go absolutely nuts with all the colorful goods and items that are yours for the taking. The market is filled with more than 8,000 stalls, plus you’re encouraged to haggle your way through them all. From clothes, bags, accessories, to jewelry and house ornaments among other vibrant items, something is bound to tickle your fancy!
5. Dubai, UAE
Dubai, famous for its tax-free shopping for tourists, is a must-see destination! Tourists can get a VAT refund on purchases made in established stores and malls in the UAE. Although you must spend a minimum of AED250 on each purchase, Dubai has a diverse range of goods that will quickly empty your wallet if you do not restrain yourself!
If you’re feeling opulent and have money to burn, get lost in the world’s largest mall — The Dubai Mall! With 1,200 stores and a connecting hotel, the mall is literally designed to keep you coming back for more premium fashion, jewelry, and food.
6. Los Angeles
Ah, Los Angeles, the City of Angels and home to A-list Hollywood celebrities. While we cannot guarantee that you will run into Leonardo DiCaprio or Kim Kardashian, we can assure you that LA is a shopping paradise!
In Los Angeles, you can visit a variety of shopping destinations, from luxury malls to bargain boutiques. The most well-known is The Grove, an outdoor shopping complex ideal for family weekends. Treat each other to designer goods from Nike, Gucci, or Dior, and when you’re done splurging, unwind at one of The Grove’s cozy cafés. Check out The Citadel and Rodeo Drive for more similar options!
Old soul fashionistas will love Abbot Kinney Boulevard, where bohemian fashion, vintage items, and organic fragrances are always in style. Meanwhile, Santee Alley is well-known for its Fashion District, a legendary cheap flea market. You can buy something here.
7. New York
From the City of Angels to the City That Never Sleeps! New York is one of the busiest cities in the world as it bursts with industries, culture, and — of course — shopping. There are so many options in New York that you wouldn’t even know where to begin.
But if it’s your first time in this concrete jungle, dive headfirst into Times Square. Standing in the center of it all, you’ll get a generous view of colossal playbills and all the surrounding establishments of fashion and food. Souvenir shops are all around Times Square, which includes street stalls where you can buy token NYC merchandise like keychains, scarves, shirts, etc. Conveniently, iconic stores such as the huge M&M’s World and the NBA Store are only walking distance away from Times Square.
After having your fill of this staple tourist attraction, Macy’s Herald Square should be your next go-to shopping destination in NYC. It is, after all, the flagship store of the leading department store in the USA!
Here, you can shop luxury brands such as Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, and Estée Lauder. If these big brands aren’t your thing, there are still plenty of fashion pieces, accessories, and home appliances you can buy in Macy’s at reasonable prices. To complete your tourist shopping spree, drop by SoHo, Fifth Avenue, and Madison Avenue too!
We hope that this list of shopping destinations has piqued your interest in visiting these countries someday. If you don’t intend to splurge at these various shopping meccas, at the very least allow yourself to enjoy the best of the world’s shopping culture. After all, they are a part of the tourist experience!
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